“We are working alongside other agencies such as the police and Trading Standards to try to tackle this abhorrent trade in innocent lives but it’s everyone’s responsibility to help us uncover these unscrupulous breeders and to help us bring a halt to this illegal and unregulated industry.

“The reality is that if we don’t work together to fight the trade, more sick puppies will not receive the care they need and could end up dumped in this manner.

“These breeders and dealers don’t care about the welfare of these dogs, they only care about the money.”